According to a decision from retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson, quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended for six games for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Watson’s three-day hearing before Judge Robinson took place at the end of June, and according to reports the NFL was pushing for an “indefinite” suspension. The NFLPA, advocating on behalf of the quarterback, reportedly argued for Watson to avoid a suspension entirely.
According to reporting, in her decision Judge Robinson noted that Watson’s “pattern of behavior was egregious,” but also noted that the behavior was “nonviolent sexual conduct:”
Judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision says Deshaun Watson’s “pattern of behavior was egregious,” but notes that behavior was “nonviolent sexual conduct” in explaining the decision to suspend him six games, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2022
Until recently, Watson was facing over two dozen lawsuits alleging sexual assault that occurred during his time in Houston with the Texans. Watson, after stating at Cleveland’s mandatory minicamp that he was focused on “clearing his name,” then settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits against him. Earlier on Monday morning Tony Buzbee announced that Watson had agreed to settle three of the remaining four cases pending against him:
Deshaun Watson has agreed to settle three of the remaining four active civil lawsuits against him, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee told ESPN's @JohnBarrESPN early Monday morning.https://t.co/Fl4f8lHy5l
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 1, 2022
In addition, Watson was also the focus of explosive and harrowing reporting from Jenny Vrentas of the New York Times. Vrentas outlined how Watson met “at least 66 women for massages over a 17-month period.” The article also indicates that the Texans assisted Watson in making appointments, as well as providing him with nondisclosure agreements.
The NFLPA and Watson released a statement on Sunday night indicating that they would stand by Judge Robinson’s decision. Under the terms of the CBA, the NFL has three days to appeal the decision.
As it stands, Watson would be suspended for these six games: The Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons, the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots.